Abstract
Participatory practices have become an emerging trend across cultural field. This study examines how theatre festivals in the Baltic States implement participatory practices and how national cultural policy frameworks support or constrain these efforts. The theoretical part addresses the political and cultural dimensions of participation, stressing their role in fostering socially and democratically active citizens. It also outlines the specific features of theatre festivals and potential participatory approaches within them. The empirical reasearch applies qualitative methods, combining an analysis of major Baltic cultural policy documents and state cultural funding regulations with in-depth, semi-structured interviews. These were conducted with representatives of leading international contemporary theatre festivals in the region: Homo Novus, Valmiera Summer Theatre Festival, Sirenos, and SAAL Biennaal. Findings indicate that participation is understood differently in each festival, shaping both the type and extent of practices implemented, as well as the audiences they target. In contrast, cultural policy documents and funding regulations reflect a narrower interpretation of participation, focusing mainly on amateur arts and the safeguarding of cultural heritage. Such framing neglects contemporary cultural events and innovative participatory practices. Consequently, festivals pursuing participatory approaches may face limited access to funding opportunities. This research highlights the gap between the evolving practices of theatre festivals and the more traditional notions embedded in cultural policy. Addressing this discrepancy could strengthen support for participatory initiatives and enhance their contribution to democratic cultural life in the Baltic States.
Presenters
Kristine FreibergaAssistant Professor / Head of Production and Marketing Department, Department of Cultural Sociology and Management / Production and Marketing Department, Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia Ance Bergmane
Producer of Performances and Events, Production and Marketing Department at LAC, Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC), Riga, Latvia Elza Strazdiņa
Producer of Performances and Events, Production and Marketing Department, Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Participatory practices, Community engagement, Theatre festivals, Baltic theatre
